Final answer:
To communicate effectively with a hearing-impaired child, a nurse should first attract the child's attention before speaking, using methods suited to the child's abilities, like sign language, facial expressions, and writing, if readable. Human communication with a hearing-impaired individual requires awareness of their communication preferences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best action for a nurse to use when attempting to communicate with a 12-year-old who is hearing impaired is to attract the child's attention before speaking. Once the child is focusing on the nurse, communication can occur through several methods, including lip-reading, sign language, or using visual aids.
It's important for the nurse to ensure that the child's full attention is captured, as this will facilitate better understanding and interaction. The nurse may also utilize facial expressions to emphasize emotions and meaning, which can be useful if the child understands nonverbal cues.
In general, the methods of communication should be tailored to the child's specific needs and abilities. If the child is capable of reading, conveying ideas by writing short sentences could be effective.
For a child who is familiar with sign language or if a sign language interpreter is available, that could be the most direct way of communicating. Using a picture board may also be effective, especially for younger children or those with limited language skills.
Overall, interaction with a hearing-impaired individual requires patience, flexibility, and awareness of their preferred mode of communication.
Human Communication is complex and multifaceted and can include gestures, facial expressions, sign language, and written text. When working with a child who is deaf or hard of hearing, it's usually recommended to initiate communication visually or through touch to gain their attention before beginning to sign or speak.